, and she should be able to point out the picturesque spots,
and the points of vantage for especially fine views, and to make
others feel the charm of the country.

The hostess should furnish outdoor occupations, should interest her
guests in making collections of curious plants from the woodlands, and
in getting acquainted with the trees. There should be some popular
sports provided even in midwinter, and all the necessities for the
enjoyment of these should be furnished, as well as a library, games,
and all sorts of indoor entertainment and pastimes for the possible
days of storm which shall block all exit from the house.

The serving of meals out of doors, if the season and weather permit,
is a distinctive feature of country hospitality, and very enjoyable to
city dwellers. Breakfast and afternoon tea are especially easy to
serve on the lawn or piazza, but more elaborate meals may be so served
if there are servants and facilities enough. Simple meals out of doors
are preferable to more elaborate meals within. In order to do this
enjoyably or successfully, it is necessary to have the piazza or
garden somewhat secluded. A hedge, in the absence of other protection
from the curious, easily makes this possible.

The informality possible in country entertaining is its greatest
charm. Neighbors should be encouraged to "drop in" at any hour, as the
monotony of country life may thus be greatly relieved.

The hostess who, in order to meet an emergency, is obliged to do much
herself, should either simplify her plans of entertainment, so that
she could carry them through without too great weariness to play her
part as hostess by being with her guests, or should call upon them to
assist her, and make it a companionable visit at any rate.

Rural festivities are usually festivals of labor, in which all join
first in the work and later in the play. One should endeavor to do
one's part of the work cheerfully, and in the spirit of good
comradeship, as well as share in the fun.

One of the most enjoyable resources of the country hostess is the
picnic. This idea may be varied to suit any circumstances and any
surroundings. It may take the form of an athletic frolic for the young
people, or of a reading party in some secluded and shady glen on a
hot day, if the company be intellectual, or various other forms.

_Public Functions_

Men and women of prominence are often called upon to act as special
hosts and hostesses at public